Original WWII real photographic postcard showing Piazza Vittoria in Messina, Sicily.

The detailed view shows the public gardens, fountain, palm trees, local residents and the distinctive domed and arched buildings surrounding the square.

Captioned:

“Messina – Piazza Vittoria”

The postcard was sent by a British serviceman named Eddie to Miss Eileen Willis of Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. “ON ACTIVE SERVICE” is handwritten across the top.

The message reads:

“Dear Eileen,
Just another photo to add to our collection. There must be quite a decent amount by now. Hoping you are O.K.
Love,
Eddie.”

It bears a British FIELD POST OFFICE cancellation dated 6 October 1943, together with a large purple “PASSED BY CENSOR No. 6764” handstamp and the censor’s handwritten signature or initials.

No postage stamp is present, consistent with British forces active-service mail.

Marked “Vera Fotografia” on the reverse and printed by Fotocelere, Turin, in 1940.

Reference number 13.

Approximate size:
14 x 9 cm.

Condition:
Postally used wartime condition with general age-related toning, foxing, surface marks and corner and edge wear. There are pronounced diagonal creases and small splits around the upper-left corner, together with a short crease or small split near the upper edge. The remaining corners have lighter creasing and handling wear. The photographic image remains clear and detailed, while the field-post date and censor number are substantially legible. Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

An evocative piece of October 1943 British Army postal history from Messina, sent shortly after the Allied campaign in Sicily.

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